As per recent research led by scientists of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital and People's Hospital of Aba China, the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) shows significant associations with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) serum levels.

DPN is a condition of autonomic and peripheral nerve injury due to diabetes mellitus. Current accumulating studies show an association of various serum biomarkers like vitamin D and uric acid with DPN progression. These serum levels help in early diagnosis and treatment of DPN. This study involves the investigation of the involvement of BDNF and NGF among DPN and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) people and their effects on the disease progression.

 A total of 65 DPN patients, 83 T2DM patients and 110 healthy people associated clinical data were analysed. The levels of BDNF and NGF were detected through ELISA. Further, the diagnostic value of serum NGF and BDNF levels in DPN was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Risk factors for DPN were identified by logistic regression analysis. Most of the DPN patients found to have decreased BDNF and NGF levels. Both BDNF and NGF serum levels showed association with fasting C-peptide (FCP), 24-hour urinary microalbumin excretion (24-h UME), the course of disease for patients, glycosylated haemoglobin level (HbAlc), and 2-hour postprandial C-peptide level (2-h PCP).

Further, As per ROC curve analysis, BDNF and NGF levels showed high specificity, accuracy and sensitivity towards DPN.  The course of disease, postprandial blood glucose level, 2-h PCP level, and serum levels of NGF and BDNF were considered as the DPN risk factors. These findings suggest NGF and BDNF serum levels significantly show a relationship with DPN progression.